Government taking initiatives to expand broadband coverage

The government is implementing various initiatives to expand broadband coverage, especially in rural areas, said Secretary-general of the Communications and Multimedia Ministry, Datuk Seri Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad.

She said apart from the initiatives under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP), the ministry has also established cooperation with telecommunication companies (telcos), to provide consistent high-speed internet services to the people.

"We need to work together by collaborating with the telcos in delivering services to the people," she told reporters after launching the Internet For All Village (Kampung IFA) programme at Kampung Chenderong Batu, here today.

Sharifah Zarah said the government's target was to achieve 95 per cent household broadband penetration by 2020.

Kampung IFA at Kampung Chenderong Batu is the second programme carried out by Digi Telecommunication Sdn Bhd (DiGi) after the maiden programme at Kampung Gong Chengal, Kemaman, Terengganu last year.

The programme provides free of charge high-speed Internet connection to about 3,500 villagers via WiFi or mobile internet.

DiGi Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Eugene Teh said the Kampung IFA has provided opportunities for the people in getting information quickly that would bring socio-economic benefits to them.

Therefore, he said DiGi intended to expand the Kampung IFA programme, as it would provide many benefits to society, especially in rural areas.